Mixed media artist and clothing designer Marie Cordella is just one of the 40 artists whose work can be viewed at ArtSpace, a visual art center that features 23 open studios, three exhibition galleries, lectures, classes and many other stimulating art events.

The North Carolina State Capitol, completed in 1840, is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of a major civic building in the Greek Revival style of architecture. It is a National Historic Landmark.

Blount Street was once home to rich industrialists and prominent civic leaders, as evidenced by these beautiful, historic homes. Nearby Blount Street Commons, currently under construction, will soon add even more residences, retail shops and parks.

About

Downtown Raleigh Shops Gear Up for Small Business Saturday, November 29

DRA joins Shop Small initiative to support local economy and retail community

RALEIGH, NC (November 13, 2014) –The Downtown Raleigh Alliance (DRA) has joined the Small Business Saturday initiative as part of its Shop Downtown Raleigh program to support the local economy and independent businesses. The DRA invites holiday shoppers to celebrate downtown’s culturally-exciting retail community on November 29 by patronizing Shop Downtown Raleigh merchants. Created by American Express in 2010, the national initiative marks a day to support local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. The event encourages people to shop at small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

With downtown Raleigh continuing its on-going revitalization, residents and visitors have discovered the blossoming retail community in the heart of the capital city. According to DRA’s State of Downtown Raleigh 2014 report, in 2013, forty-four new street level businesses opened, over half of which were retail establishments. More than 95% of downtown retail shops are independently owned by local entrepreneurs. Small Business Saturday offers patrons a unique opportunity to visit a wide variety of independent and eclectic shops in downtown’s growing shopping destination.

“Downtown Raleigh has one of the highest concentrations of local and independently owned stores in the Triangle,” said David Diaz, DRA President and CEO. “This program helps to recognize those small businesses that are thriving in our growing central business district.”

As shoppers walk the streets, dine at eateries, and wander in and out of stores searching for gifts, retailers will have their storefront faces designed with unique public art to create a festive ambiance during the holiday season. The storefront designs will be on display from November 29 until New Year’s Day, January 1. To further promote downtown merchants, the DRA encourages the public to spread holiday cheer by posting their favorite storefronts on Instagram and tag @downtownraleighalliance.